Rita Odafe
Recently, the Department for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Libya, with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), successfully repatriated over 100 Nigerian women and children through Mitiga International Airport located in Tripoli.
This information was shared through a statement by Migrant Rescue Watch on their X account on Tuesday.
“DCIM (Western Region) repatriated with IOM support over 100 #migrant women with children of Nigerian nationality via Mitiga International Airport in Tripoli,” the statement read.
Earlier reports from SaharaReporters indicated that at least 37 Nigerians were apprehended for their involvement in an international criminal network operating between Nigeria and Libya.
The suspects face serious allegations, including practicing witchcraft, illegally facilitating immigration, and carrying out various criminal activities such as kidnapping, drug trafficking, and theft.
The Public Prosecution confirmed the dismantling of these criminal organizations and mentioned that intelligence reports had identified meetings among irregular migrants coordinating illicit activities within five notorious groups: “High Viking,” “EMSI,” “Eye,” “Black Axe,” and the “New Black Movement in Africa.”
According to a recent statement from the Libyan Attorney General’s Office posted on Facebook, law enforcement is making concerted efforts to penetrate these networks, revealing the severe implications of these crimes for both national and regional security.
It was also highlighted that the suspects were engaging in actions that are characteristic of criminal gangs operating within Libya.
The prosecution noted that 35 illegal immigrants were found to have connections to these networks, which are primarily based in Nigeria and function as central hubs for their illicit activities.
